Twelve WSC Squibbers visited Rondar, the new official builder, to view a prototype of the proposed new Squib. The hull and deck are the same shape (taken from the existing moulds) but the internal layout has been modified to make the cockpit self draining, and most of the internal structure is a single moulding which greatly reduces construction time and cost compared to the present individually fitted GRP encased plywood internal components, or rot sandwiches. The new hull, deck and internals are foam sandwich construction and very little wood is used.
Paul Young (Rondar MD) believes that sales to 'dedicated racers' are now too slow to support the production of new boats and so 'fleet' sales to clubs and other organisations will be needed to keep the class alive. Low maintenance is a key requirement of fleet operators, and the self draining cockpit will mean that the boats can be left unattended on moorings for long periods without sinking.
NSOA have given the green light to trials of the prototype to assess the self-draining and also performance relative to existing boats. The trials will take place this year and hopefully the prototype will be available to clubs next season.
After the Squib, and before the pub, Paul showed us around his workshops where, in addition to hulls, Rondar make foils, trailers and s/s fittings.
More photos taken at the NSOA technical meeting on 28/10/15 are at
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ojxhvvldacjz8ae/AADvw8vJ1e_hva_WBVQ3_0AUa?dl=0
Submitted on 30th October 2015